014.01.54.5. What advantages do custom Linux firmware distributions, such as OpenWRT, provide when installed on routers? How do they address issues like stability, compatibility with older hardware, and the ability to use a variety of hardware for wireless bridging without being restricted to matching hardware from the manufacturer?
OpenWRT if installed on a router, makes it easy for the router hardware to bridge to a network with a wireless connection, otherwise, manufacturers want the user to use manufacturing hardware. Since OpenWRT is a truly open OS, the router doesn't care what hardware you use as long as the hardware is supported.
Custom Linux firmware distributions, like OpenWRT, offer several advantages when installed on routers. They provide enhanced stability, increased compatibility with older hardware, and the flexibility to use various hardware for wireless bridging, without being limited to manufacturer-specific hardware. OpenWRT, being an open-source OS, allows users to choose hardware based on compatibility rather than being restricted to manufacturer-specific options.